In the last game of the NFL preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers clashed with the Atlanta Falcons, showcasing a stark contrast in their approach to player utilization. The strategies employed by both teams, ranging from fielding starters to resting key players, ultimately led to an unequal matchup, resulting in the Steelers cruising to a commanding 24-0 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Pittsburgh’s Head Coach Mike Tomlin opted to deploy his healthy starters for the initial two drives of the game. In contrast, Falcons’ Coach Arthur Smith chose to preserve his primary players, creating a disparity that played out on the scoreboard with the Steelers establishing a substantial 17-0 lead in the opening quarter. Tomlin justified his decision, emphasizing the significance of real stadium experience compared to simulated practice scenarios. “The preseason is an opportunity for us to spar and sharpen our sword for battle,” Tomlin commented.
The Steelers’ starting offense proved its mettle, culminating a series of five drives over three preseason games with five touchdowns. Their prowess was evident from the outset of the game, with quarterback Kenny Pickett displaying precision. Pickett efficiently connected with his top receiving targets, with standout passes to Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. The latter’s spectacular 35-yard reception positioned the Steelers just one yard away from a touchdown, eventually executed by Najee Harris.
Reflecting on his team’s preseason performance, Pickett expressed satisfaction with their ability to execute on the field and translate practice into points. “It’s proof that the work we put in paid off and we had a good preseason,” Pickett stated. As the preseason transitions into the regular season, he emphasized the need to focus on upcoming challenges, starting with their match against San Francisco.
Pickett concluded his preseason campaign with remarkable numbers, completing 13 of 15 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. These impressive statistics translated to a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3, highlighting his exceptional form. The first half of the game exhibited a clear disparity, with Pittsburgh enjoying a significant 17-0 lead and outpacing Atlanta with 176 yards to a mere minus-2 yards. Even as the Falcons struggled with only 8 yards of total offense well into the second quarter, Tomlin remained committed to his team’s game plan, unaffected by the Falcons’ approach.
Tomlin’s unyielding stance was articulated when he stated, “I don’t care what the Joneses do, we’re going to do what we do.” This unwavering philosophy was evident in the Steelers’ gameplay, as even with a substantial lead, key players like starting linebacker Elandon Roberts remained engaged in the match. The Steelers defense displayed their prowess, securing five sacks throughout the game.
While preseason triumphs are not always indicative of regular season success, the Steelers can draw lessons from their past experiences. Last season, they also clinched a 3-0 preseason record, only to face a challenging 2-6 start to the regular season. Despite the setback, the team rallied to win seven of their last nine games, ultimately salvaging a 9-8 record. As the Steelers look ahead to the regular season, they aim to leverage their preseason accomplishments while remaining mindful of the challenges that lie ahead.
Disclaimer : The content of this page is written by an independent third party. theworldsaga does not endorse the opinions expressed. theworldsaga is not responsible in any way for the contents of this site. theworldsaga cannot guarantee or endorse them. Take all necessary steps to ensure that the information provided and any content is accurate, up-to-date, and verifiable. theworldsaga disclaims all express and implied warranties relating to this report or its content.